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Two people add plates of food to a long, rustic dining table lined with many chairs.
A large group of people sit together at a long table in a dark coloured dining area. The atmosphere is jolly and celebratory as they eat and drink together.
A person brings a wooden dining chair to a table full of cheerful people in a festive mood.
A person sits at the edge of a dining room table, next to a blue trolley stacked with drinks and snacks.

Where there's love, there's room

Whether it's a festive family gathering, 'friendsmas' or simply any excuse for a feast with loved ones, holiday time is about getting together, and in this party-prepped dining room, everyone is invited! Soft textures, warm materials and layers of light create a warm, cosy surrounding that sets the scene for great conversations and delicious food!

A person wearing an apron holds a plate of meatballs with an illuminated sparkler, adding a festive look to the dish.

And the best host award goes to...

Hosting doesn't have to be an all-encompassing task requiring the skills of a chef, waitress and event organiser all rolled into one! While we can't guarantee a stress-free festive season, hopefully these easy tips and tricks will allow you to spend more time with friends and family and less time slaving away in the kitchen.

  1. Plan your menu a few days (or even a week) ahead. This gives you time to shop, plan and prep ahead. Why not share the burden by asking guests to bring a prepared dish for the table?
  2. Cooking and prepping the day before also gives you extra time to focus on the final preparations on the day. Soups, stews, sauces and pickles taste better the day after, so they're perfect for making ahead.
  3. Rather than a place setting, what about a seat reservation instead? By tying guests names to each chair, it's easy for them to find their spot at the table. And just for fun, between each course, why not ask guests to grab their chair and find a new spot at the table to keep the dinner conversation lively?
  4. The dishes can wait: Nobody wants to leave a good conversation – or stay up late washing the dishes! Fill a couple of storage containers with soapy water and set them next to the sink. As dirty plates and cutlery stack up, soak them in the containers. When you're ready to fill the dishwasher or tackle the washing-up, everything will be pre-rinsed, making them quick and easy to clean.

Your turn to host?

Whether it's a full-on feast for friends and family, or a cosy dinner for two, visit your local IKEA store or click below for more entertaining ideas and inspiration.

Setting the scene

Create a cosy setting by mixing up the lighting. Festive string lights and overhead NARRKOLV pendant lamps in natural rattan illuminate guests and deliciously filled dishes, while candles bring a warm glow to the table.

A quick tidy up

Not long to go now. The food is cooking and it's time to tidy up and set the table. Hide books and magazines that clutter up the table under a bench. A throw or two underneath can also come in handy, just in case anyone's feeling chilly!

Room with a hue

Natural materials, soft textures and a muted, neutral background create a cosy alternative to festive bling. And who needs Christmas trees when you've got a beautiful branch sourced from a forest or even your local park as your dramatic centrepiece? It's certainly a conversation starter!

More space at the table

Did your dinner party for 10 suddenly turn into 20? Don't worry, there are plenty of ways of creating more places at the table. Extendable dining tables like the NÄSINGE table with a self-storing leaf are a great option. Or why not collect other tables from around the home and put them together? For temporary options you can pack away, the TORPARÖ outdoor dining table simply folds up when not in use, or take a few trestles like solid wood MITTBACK to create a makeshift table – just add a board or tabletop in the length you need.

A visual feast

Natural materials and subdued tableware complement every course, allowing the colours and textures of each dish to shine through.

Not just for the kitchen drawer

The chopping board is one of the hardest working dining companions. From dicing vegetables and serving stew to rounding off the festivities with a delicious selection of cheeses, there's nothing a chopping board can't handle.

Skooch over

With a mix and match of chairs grabbed from around the home, guests get to choose their favourite seat. Not enough to go around? Multifunctional pieces like benches or even a step stool are perfect for perching on.

After dinner treats

With dinner over, it's time for coffee, treats – and fun! Time to clear the table and make space for party games, cards, or maybe a giant jigsaw. The RÅSKOG trolley has wheels and three shelves with plenty of space for coffee, milk, sugar and sweets. Roll it around the table so guests can serve themselves, giving you a well-earned break from hosting.